Sean McAllisters documentary about a Syrian family who struggle to keep everything together while fleeing the country they adore, is simply remarkable. Filmed over the course of 5 years, it’s difficult to think that the heartbreaking reality of Syria as we now know it could have been foreseen, and the destruction of their country serves as a parallel for this particular tale.
Having met each other through mutual oppression from the country they love, Raghda and Amer form their own love and start a family while simultaneously fighting for the causes they believe in. Outspoken, passionate and motivated to create a better world, they are met with constant persecution, silencing and escalating violence. Consequently, their safety is always in question and their futures unknown.
As much as the mainstream tabloid media outlets would like you to believe from time-to-time, Syrian refugees are not looking for handouts. They are not part of a ‘swarm’ of looking to take your job, to steal your benefits and invade your country. These specific individuals, much like many others in a similar situation, do not want to leave at all. They are being driven out by indirect force, for fear of their safety and their children’s safety.
McAllister gets intimate access to their lives, showing every little argument, moment of fear and tragic occurences captured first hand. It’s a unique viewing experience, and it’s difficult to assess whether or not things would have played out exactly as they did with McAllister there – especially given he is perceived to be a media threat associated to two political acitivists. In spite of that, he appears almost as a fly-on-the-wall psychiatrist, offering support and friendship where possible, even to the kids who remain caught up in the political and personal tribulations surrounding them.
A Syrian Love Story provides a platform to the story of many, by displaying the heart-breaking story of a few through what is essentially an extended home video. You couldn’t make it up, and you wouldn’t want to. This was and still is an incredibly important documentary.
movieblort 
I totally agree – one of the best documentaries I saw last year, for sure. I’m keen to see more from McCallister – this was the first documentary of his I’ve watched – and quite a few mentioned on his website look interesting. Have you seen any?
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I’m the same. I haven’t seen any of his other work but definitely keen to do so off the back of this.
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Well said, well said. My friend’s stepbrother is the film’s director which isn’t much of a claim to fame I grant you. I read your piece in The Big Picture; really liked it. Your style really comes through. Here’s to many more!
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I haven’t heard about this yet! Seems really good I must give it a watch
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Definately. It’s like a fly on the wall style doc. Shocking and intriguing in equal measure.
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